Featured Wines - May 2008

The 2004 Monsanto Chianti Classico Riserva is just one more reason why some of Tuscany's most affordable treasures are now also some of Italy's most enjoyable wines. It appears that Chianti Classico has come upon yet another renaissance, thanks in part to Fabrizio Bianchi and his pioneering work at Monsanto. A blend of 90% Sangiovese, 5% Canaiolo, and 5% Colorino, the medium to full-bodied 2004 Monsanto Chianti Classico Riserva captures all the c...

The 2005 Au Bon Climat XXV Anniversary Nuits-Blanches au Bouge Chardonnay is one of the finest Chardonnays in Jim Clendenen's exceptional repertoire. A worthy successor to the estate's great XX Anniversary selection, this staggering statement marries perfectly ripe fruit to great acidity and structure. In between, one finds all kinds of tropical fruits, lightly sautéed hazelnuts in fresh creamery butter, and a long, long dry finish that highlight...

It appears that the Dal Ceros have once again outdone themselves as the 2006 Ca dei Frati I Frati Lugana is the finest I Frati Lugana we have ever tasted: it even eclipses the other worldly 2004 I Frati. It is no mean feat to best oneself, especially when one considers the overall quality and consistency we have come to expect from this estate. Certainly, the outstanding 2006 vintage lent its support to this year's effort, but we attribute equall...

A brilliant, ruby red with purple highlights the 2006 Bodegas Borsao Campo de Borja paints a picture of pleasure, as straight away it offers the taster an indication of just how pretty and satisfying this lovely blend of Grenache (80%) and Tempranillo (20%) will be. An enticing nose of cherry and strawberry fruit is the next cue. However, what confirms one's highest hopes and dreams and ultimately seals the deal is the abundance of juicy round fr...

A classic, full throttle Napa Valley Chardonnay, the 2006 Folie à Deux offers up a beautiful, sunshiny robe, an amplifying nose, and a cornucopia of flavors. Red apple and pear fruit, butter, coconut, toasted oak, vanilla, and spice all come together in the aromatic profile of this delicious, easy to drink Napa Valley Chardonnay. Although imbued with plenty of fruit as well as an ample patina of French oak, the Folie à Deux Chardonnay never goes ...

A pretty cherry robe and a heavenly scent are the first introductions one has to Domaine des Baumard's striking 2005 Anjou Rouge Logis de la Giraudière. Scents of black cherry, cassis, freshly plowed earth, plum, and violet haunt the nose. On the palate the Cabernet Franc based 2005 Logis de la Giraudière comes across as both highly flavorful and supremely smooth, forward, and charming – the antithesis of its harder kin, Cabernet Sauvignon. Born ...

A product of an extraordinary vintage in Burgundy, the 2005 Vincent Girardin Santenay Premier Cru La Comme offers all the charm and vigor that southern Burgundy has to offer. The wine is deep ruby, almost purple, in color, which highlights Girardin's propensity for fashioning highly extracted red Burgundies – no wimpy wisps of Pinot Noir need apply here! On the nose, one can already grasp hints of the deep down burgeoning fruit that lies within, ...